Tucked away on one of downtown’s quieter streets, La Marinara has subtlety down to an art. Warm colours and soft light, potted plants and flickering candles create a soothing, unassuming atmosphere. Music plays low and ambient, setting the tone but never intruding on the conversation. For this reason, La Marinara is best suited for romantic dinners or quiet business lunches. Designed in the style of the French bistro, it specializes in Italian pasta dishes. Primavera, bolognese, alfredo, carbonara, amatriciana: the usual suspects are present in all sorts of savoury permutations.
If you’re looking for veal, there may be no restaurant in the city better suited to your needs. Why not try the breaded veal, or bring crispy and cream together in sonorous harmony with the veal parmigiana. Did we mention the veal with lemon?
La Marinara earns widespread praise for authentic Italian cooking, homemade pasta that many describe as among the best, and a warm, intimate, unpretentious dining room. Reviews highlight friendly, attentive service from a family-run team and a cozy atmosphere that feels welcoming rather than formal. Dishes like gnocchi, fettuccine and veal marsala are repeatedly praised, with tiramisu and Caesar salad noted as standout desserts, while some nights offer generous portions and others feature smaller servings for certain items. Occasional drawbacks include a very salty soup, a carbonara with too much cream cheese, and high wine prices, but these are not universal. Overall, La Marinara is seen as a dependable downtown option that delivers comforting, well-executed Italian flavors and a consistently positive experience that keeps locals and visitors returning.
Super. Avant chaque match de hockey auquel j'assiste, je me rend à ce restaurant. L'accueil est chaleureux, le service attentionné & les choix très variés. Les mets sont excellents & les prix tout à fait convenables. Je recommande le veau à la polignac & les aubergines au parmesan.
Dec 10, 2021
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Je connais ce restaurant depuis longtemps (& son prédécesseur le regretté Piedmontais), & la qualité & le service est toujours hors pair. Le seul problème, & ce n'est pas de leur faute est que c'est de plus en plus difficile de se promener à Montréal en automobile. J'ai déjà delessaissé plusieurs activités à cause de ce fait, mais le café bistro La Marianra vaut la peine de passer par dessus ces désagréements.
Very good service before a Bell Centre Event with a packed restaurant. Food was good & served exactly as ordered. Full restaurant was very loud but set a good tone for a fun night.